China’s exports of solar power equipment fell for a second consecutive period of annual comparison in September, as shipments remained below levels recorded a year earlier, according to customs data released on Sunday.
China, the world’s largest manufacturer of solar equipment, exported 1.21 million metric tons of solar cells and panels during the month, representing a 6.4% decline from September last year. However, shipments increased from 840,000 tons recorded in August, indicating a monthly recovery.
The latest figures showed that China exported 9.37 million tons of solar cells and panels in the first nine months of 2026, down 9.5% compared with the same period in 2025.
Despite the decline in export volumes, the value of China’s solar equipment exports rose significantly. September shipments were valued at $3.34 billion, an increase of 19.4% from the same month last year.
Customs data also showed that China shipped 11.3% more solar cells and panels on a per-unit basis in September, with total shipments reaching 1.44 billion units.
The figures highlight a mixed performance in China’s solar export market, with lower overall shipment weight contrasting with higher export values and an increase in the number of units shipped.
China’s position as the world’s leading solar equipment producer makes its export performance an important indicator of global solar supply and demand. The continued annual decline in export volumes could reflect changes in market conditions, although the data alone does not establish the reasons behind the drop.
The increase in monthly shipments from August suggests that export activity strengthened during September, even as volumes remained below the previous year’s level.
The rise in export value, despite the decline in shipment weight, also points to a difference between the volume and monetary value of equipment traded during the period.
China’s solar export figures will remain an important measure of developments in the global renewable energy sector as countries continue to expand solar power generation and investment in clean energy.